Pastures

Our master plan for the farm includes, eventually, to be able to manage our pastures by having a rotational grazing program for all of the critters. Basically that means rather than having one large pasture we are working on making adjoining smaller pastures. The ultimate end goal is to have separate rotational pastures for each group of animals~ the horses, steers, and the goats. The theory is that the animals can be eating one pasture while the other one grows, allowing the grass time to grow in between and reducing the stress on the pasture. Slowly but surely we are getting there with 4 pastures set up so far, and when time and finances allow, at least 3 more planned, plus a couple of dry lots for those horses that are on the heavier side and don't need full time pasture. Grace and I took a walk out back to look at the pasture that has not been used all summer and decided it was a good time to open up the gate. Solomon was curious and happy to see all that delicious clover and grass growing.
Next we called these big boys. "Come Boss!" always gets a running stampede.
There is not a much sweeter picture to a farmer than seeing cattle up to their bellies in green grass on the right side of the fence.
Now, being that our gates are so efficiently connected, it took a bit of jimmy-rigging to make them stand open the way I wanted them to. With Grace's help we got everything situated and went off for a chase.
To catch this little girl. If she wasn't so pretty I don't know how long she would last around here. Little stinker!
Rootbeer on the other hand is a whole different story.
We did catch her in half the time and with very minimal running today. Once she is caught she is pretty quiet and mellow and follows you anywhere.
Nika and Rootbeer could use some fattening up. A lush green pasture is just what they needed. They do look much better than they did when they first came to the farm a month ago but their ribs are still sticking out.

Solomon, who had been pampered and grained all winter, has a very nice build. What a difference starting 6 months earlier makes with these young horses.

We left the old (fat) horses on the short grass side of the fence. It really is for your own good Woodstockers.

Paints..... and an Appaloosa.... in my pasture..... finally!


Of course Grace had to love up her friendly steer and fight him off of her flowers.

Happy grazing you mighty beasts!